Community pharmacists, Moniepoint tackle counterfeit drugs, enhance healthcare financial inclusion nd
To boost the pharmaceutical supply chain and distribution using digital technology, Moniepoint and community pharmacists are leveraging initiatives to combat the production of counterfeit medicines, particularly in the unregulated and disjointed open drug market.
In doing this, they are prioritizing digital nancial inclusion, this collaboration aims to advance the agenda of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for all Nigerians, addressing the challenges posed by a burgeoning population and constrained human resources in the healthcare sector.
These were the main points raised during a courtesy visit by the National Executive members of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) to the Moniepoint Inc. o ce in Lagos.
With an average of 480,000 daily footfalls across over 6,000 community pharmacies in Nigeria, the ACPN plays a vital role in Nigeria’s healthcare system as front-line workers who promote public health and well-being, beyond dispensing medications as they serve as trusted healthcare providers within communities, offering valuable advice, counsel, and preventive care.
Wale Oladigbolu National Chairman, ACPN, who led the ACPN delegation, lauded the giant strides made by Moniepoint in providing reliable and seamless digital payment services to community pharmacies across the country.
He added that some other players in the pharmaceutical sector still operate primarily with cash, thus limiting their growth potential and nancial inclusion.
He noted that Nigeria’s healthcare industry was ripe for disruption using digital and technological knowhow to achieve UHC, social health insurance, supply chain systems and data for policy formulation.
“is visit to Moniepoint today is underscored by our belief that a well-structured collaboration between both organisations will produce transformative high-yield results and bene t the nation’s healthcare system at large.
“Such collaborations enhance not only the operational efficiency of our pharmacies but also ensure that our patients and customers bene t from the convenience and security of digital nancial services.
Integrating financial technology seamlessly into everyday health services, making them more accessible and e cient for all is a noble task that all stakeholders should strive towards achieving,” he said.
He added soliciting for Moniepoint’s robust participation at the Association’s 43rd annual Scientific Conference scheduled for Ibadan, Oyo State later in the year. He noted that this year’s event will deliver a peerless experience for all attendees in terms of skills and knowledge acquisition, as well as the sporting and entertainment value-added initiatives that have been lined up.
Vice President, Sales and Partnerships, Moniepoint
Inc., Ifeanyi Duru expressed his delight at the opportunity to collaborate with the ACPN and deploy the digital
nancial services provider’s cutting-edge technology to drive greater financial empowerment and inclusion in Nigeria’s healthcare industry.
“Creating financial happiness is our mantra and a more inclusive financial ecosystem that caters to the unique needs of the health industry in Nigeria is in perfect sync with what we stand for at Moniepoint.
There is a significant opportunity here to elevate the interests of community pharmacists and give fresh impetus to the way community pharmacies operate by layering tech and digital payments for socioeconomic development.
e potential impact of this collaborative e ort especially in bridging signi cant gaps in the value chain is huge and one which we relish the opportunity to tackle,” he said.
Notable professionals present during the visit include National Secretary, ACPN, Pharm. Omokhafe Ashore, Chairman, ACPN Conference Planning Committee, Pharm. Grace Ikani, Regional Sales Manager, Moniepoint Inc, Emmanuel Imouokhome, State Coordinator, Richard Eseka, Public Relations Manager, Moniepoint Inc, Bemigho Awala and Brand Story-teller, Emmanuel Paul.